Elaine Simmons

Elaine Denise Simmons, age 64 years of Niles, Michigan, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, Michigan traveler, and friend died peacefully Sunday morning, June 20, 2021 with family gathered around her bed at the home of her son in North Liberty, Indiana following a brief illness.

She was born on June 30, 1956 in Niles to Allen and Phyllis W. (Pretz) Lutin.  She graduated from Niles High School, and continued her education at Southwestern Michigan College.  She began her employment with the Modineer Company of Niles in 1988, and would have completed thirty-three years of service on the production line there this year.

Elaine enjoyed traveling throughout Michigan, and had visited most of the state, both lower and upper peninsulas.  She maintained a bird feeding station in her backyard, with specialized feeders for each specie.  Her greatest joy was her family.

On April 15, 1997 she married Gary Simmons with whom she celebrated the twenty-fourth anniversary of their wedding.  They were sadly preceded in death by an infant granddaughter, Blayke Louise Simmons on December 2, 2019; by Elaine’s sister, Donna Lutin in 2005; and by her parents, Allen and Phyllis Lutin.

Surviving family includes her husband, Gary and children, Michael (& Lori) Lutin of North Liberty, Jessica Wagner of South Bend, Indiana, Kimberly Herron of South Bend, Joseph (& Casandra) Simmons of Niles, and Michael (& Amanda) Simmons of Sulphur Springs, Texas; many grandchildren including Cameron Lutin, Sara Lutin, Harper Simmons, and twin granddaughters due to arrive soon; Elaine’s siblings, Dennis Lutin of South Bend and David (& Dawn) Lutin, Sue Sukolics, and Charles “Chuck” (& Kathy) Lutin, all of Niles; and many nieces and nephews.

The family of Elaine Simmons will receive relatives and friends from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at the Niles Adventist School, 110 Fairview Avenue in Niles.  Contributions in memory of Elaine may be made to the Center for Hospice Care 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, Indiana, 46545, https://cfhcare.org/ .  Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Elaine enjoyed observing the wildlife in her backyard and visiting all that her home state of Michigan had to offer, including the people along the way; but her greatest love was her family, spending time with them and celebrating their successes.